OUR HERITAGE AT RISK -  QUEENSLAND - 2008

Place: Flinders Street East, Townsville

Threat:Devaluation

Flinders Street, Townsville

Photo: National Trust of Queensland

Significance:

The National Trust of Queensland registered the Flinders Street East precinct on 2 February 1981. The buildings in this area, and associated views, form a precinct of great character and of particular historical significance not only to the city of Townsville, but to the whole of the North.  The precinct is the original commercial centre of Townsville with a large number of buildings dating from the 1880's combining harmoniously with buildings from a later date. It is also the site of some of Townsville's first buildings and was the 'harbour' for Townsville until the 1890's. The whole area reflects the importance of Townsville in the goldfields era and its significance as the major port in North Queensland.That so many important buildings from that period still survive in the street, including the headquarters of Burns Philp and Co., reinforces its historical importance and heritage value.

Statement of Risk:

As a consequence of a proposal to build Townsville’s ‘North Bank’, Flinders Street East precinct is at risk of having two high-rise blocks built on the creek side of the street. Such tall buildings are not only unsympathetic to the heritage places in the precinct, but will block views of Castle Hill and possibly impinge unsympathetically on Ross Creek, apart from possibly causing traffic chaos in one of Australia’s important heritage precincts.

Degree of Risk:                   At risk

Threats/Risks:                    Devaluation

Fate/outcome:                     Stable

Desired Outcome:

The cultural heritage values of the Flinders Street East precinct are retained and maintained.